• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1652-1660
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• 2004

Apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs) is essential in atherogenesis, being a factor that modulates its early progression rather than a terminal event in the course of the disease. Various stimuli, including oxide lipoproteins, altered hemodynamic stress and free radical, can induced VSMCs apoptosis in vitro. The protective effects of Sophorae Radix (SR) on apoptotic cell death induced by H₂O₂ were investigated in VSMCs. The viability of VSMCs was markedly decreased by H₂O₂. Sophorae Radix protected the H202-induced apoptotic death of VSMCs, which was characterized as nuclear fragmentation and increase of sub-G0/G1 fraction .. Sophorae Radix decreased the activation of caspase-3 like protease induced by H₂O₂ and recovered control level from H202-induced PARP, Bak, Bcl-XL and mitochondrial membrane potential. These results suggest that Sophorae Radix protected VSMCs apoptotic death induced by H₂O₂ via inactivation of caspase-3 and modulation of mitochondrial function. Also, the expression profile of proteins by using two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis was screened. Future investigations will need to explore the use of an anti atherosclerotic therapy of Sophorae Radix, which relies on inhibition of the proapoptotic activation of the vascular smooth muscle cells.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2008

Parkinson's disease (PD) progresses severely by a gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Epidemiological studies showed that the incidences of PD were reduced by smoking of which the major component, nicotine might be neuroprotective. But the function of nicotine, which might suppress the incidences of PD, is still unknown. Fortunately, recently it was reported that a glial reaction and inflammatory processes might participate in a selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the SN. The levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ synthesised by astrocytes and microglia are elevated in striatum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in PD. TNF-${\alpha}$ kills the cultured dopaminergic neurons through the apoptosis mechanism. TNF-${\alpha}$ release from glial cells may mediate progression of nigral degeneration in PD. Nicotine pretreatment considerably decreases microglial activation with significant reduction of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression and TNF-${\alpha}$ release induced by lipopholysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Thus, this study was intended to explore the role of nicotine pretreatment to inhibit the expressions of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA in human fetal astrocytes (HFA) stimulated with IL-$1{\beta}$. The results are as follows: HFA were pretreated with 0.1, 1, and $10{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine and then stimulated with IL-$1{\beta}$ (100 pg/mL) for 2h. The inhibitory effect of nicotine on expressions of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA in HFA with pretreated $0.1{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine was first noted at 8hr, and the inhibitory effect was maximal at 12 h. The inhibitory effect at $1{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine was inhibited maximal at 24 h. Cytotoxic effects of nicotine were noted above $10{\mu}g/mL$ of nicotine. Moreover, Nicotine at 0.1, 1 and $10{\mu}g/mL$concentrations significantly inhibited IL-$1{\beta}$-induced TF-${\kappa}B$ activation. Collectively, these results indicate that in activated HFA, nicotine may inhibit the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA through the pathway which suppresses the NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. This study suggests that nicotine might be neuroprotective to dopaminergic neurons in the SN and reduce the incidences of PD.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.435-440
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• 2012

This study was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Rhubarb extracts ($Rubenal^{(R)}$) in dogs with chronic renal failure (CRF). Client-owned 40 dogs with CRF graded International renal interest Society (IRIS) II-III were enrolled in this study. The dogs were equally allocated and blindly administered with $Rubenal^{(R)}$ or placebo. The following items were evaluated at day 0, 30, 90 and 180: body condition score (BCS), clinical score (appetite, polydipsia/polyuria, quality of life score), hemogram (WBC, RBC, PCV), serum biochemistry (ALT/AST, ALP, Creatinine/BUN, total protein, albumin), serum electrolyte (Na, K, Cl, Ca, P), systolic blood pressure, urinalysis (UPC, USG) and IRIS stage. In this study, we found that the $Rubenal^{(R)}$ preparation was well tolerated by dogs and induced no adverse effects. Statistically significant improvements were observed in clinical score (quality of life score by vet and clients), serum BUN and creatinine levels, serum phosphorus concentration, level of proteinuria, and the IRIS score of CRF in dogs after 6 month of treatment of $Rubenal^{(R)}$. Those findings suggested that the Rhubarb extracts can improve the clinical signs of CRF (i.e. azotemia, hypertension, proteinuria, hyperphosphoremia) and the quality of life (i.e. BCS, clinical score) and can retard the progression of CRF in dogs. Therefore the Rhubarb extracts can be a good supplementary drug for treating dogs with subclinical and clinical renal diseases. However, care should be taken for interpreting our result, because this study is not double-blinded controlled study but pilot study.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.679-685
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• 2010

Many animal models of osteoarthritis (OA) have been developed, aimed at understanding the long-term progression of OA and difficulty of identifying patients in the initial stage of the disease. In canines, coxofemoral luxation and hip dysplasia are common orthopedic ailments related to OA in the hip joint. Transecting the ligament of the head of the femur (LHF) aids in diagnosis of coxofemoral joint OA. Presently, mobility of this joint was increased by transected LHF in 10 mature, 2-3-year-old (average $2.57{\pm}0.20$ years), healthy male beagles. The animals were normally gaited 1-week post-operatively. During the experimental period, examinations including X-ray, complete blood count and serum chemistry were unremarkable. Proteomic examination revealed protein alterations in synovial fluid, with significant increases in Vitamin D-binding protein precursor (ANOVA, p < 0.004) and Kinogen-1 (ANOVA, p < 0.039). Both proteins correlated with arthritis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.118-124
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• 1984

Congenital Cystic Adenomatiod Malformation (C.C.A.M.) is rare, but one of the most common congenital pulmonary anomalies that cause acute respiratory distress in the newborn infants. It is characterized and differentiated from the diffuse pulmonary cystic disease pathologically, i.e. adenomatoid appearance due to marked proliferation of the terminal respiratory components. An 2/12 year old male patient was suffered from respiratory distress and cyanosis on crying since birth, but no specific therapy was given. With progression of symptoms, he came to Korea University Hospital for further evaluation and then transfered to Dept. of Chest Surgery for operative correction under the impression of Congenital Obstructive Emphysema suggested by a pediatrician. On gestational and family history, there was nothing to be concerned such as congenital anomaly. Physical examinations showed; moderate nourishment and development (Wt. 5.5kg), cyanosis on crying, both intercostal and lower sternal retraction on inspiration, Lt. chest building with tympany, Rt. shifting of cardiac dullness, decreased breathing sound with expiratory wheezing on entire Lt. lung field, decreased breathing sound on Rt. upper lung filed, and tachycardia. The remainders were nonspecific. Laboratory findings were normal except WBC $14000/mm^3$ (lymphocyte 70%), Hgb 9.8m%, Hct 28%, negative Mantaux test, and sinus tachycardia and counter-clockwise rotation on EKG. Preoperative simple Chest PA revealed marked hyperlucent entire Lt. lung, herniation of Lt. upper lobe to Rt., collapsed Rt. upper lobe, tracheal deviation and mediastinal shifting to Rt., and no pleural reaction. At operation, after Lt. posterolateral thoracotomy, 4th rib was resected. Operative findings were severe emphysematous changes limited to both lingular segmentectomy was done. The resected specimen showed slight solidity, measuring $8{\times}4.5{\times}2cm$ in size, and small multiple cystic spaces filled with air. Microscopically, entire tissue structures were glandular in appearance, cyst were lined by ciliated columnar epithelium, and occasional cartilages were noted around the cystic spaces. Bronchial elements were dilated but normal pattern on histologically. The patient had a good postoperative courses clinically and radiologically, and discharged on POD 10th without event. The authors report a case of Cogenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (C.C.A.M.)

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.9 s.254
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• pp.622-626
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• 2005

Background: Non-invasive interventional therapy has been performed for main bronchial obstruction by endobronchial tuberculosis because of the risk of main bronchial reconstruction regardless of the pulmonary function. But, effects of the inteeventional therapy are attacked by arguments. This study was aimed at interpreting the risk and effectiveness of bronchoplasty for benign bronchial stenosis over the last ten years in our hospital by reviewing the results based on clinical progression. Material and Method: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and out-patient medical records including 2f consecutive patients who underwent main bronchial reconstruction for obstruction by endobronchial tuberculosis. All of them had past medical history of anti-tuberculosis medication. They were preoperatively evaluated by bronchoscopy and chest computed tomography. Result: There were no incidences of postoperative mortality and signifcant morbidity. There were 2 cases of retained secretions but these problems were resolved by therapeutic bronchoscopy or intubation. All of the patients are still alive without obstructive airway problem. Conclusion: Bronchoplasty should be considered as one of the primary treatment modalities, if it is anatomically feasible.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.8
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• pp.258-263
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• 2018

Purpose: Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is characterized by prolonged fever and radiological progression despite macrolide treatment. Few studies have examined serum procalcitonin (PCT) level in children with MPP. We aimed to investigate the association of acute inflammation markers including PCT with clinical parameters in children with MPP. Methods: A total of 147 children were recruited. The diagnosis of MPP relied on serial measurement of IgM antibody against mycoplasma and/or polymerase chain reaction. We evaluated the relationships between C-reactive protein (CRP), PCT, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts, and clinical severity of the disease. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratio for prolonged fever (>3 days after admission) and hospital stay (> 6 days), comparing quintiles 2-5 of the PCT levels with the lowest quintile. Results: The serum PCT and CRP levels were higher in children with fever and hospital stay than in those with fever lasting ${\leq}3days$ after admission and hospital stay ${\leq}6days$. CRP level was higher in segmental/lobar pneumonia than in bronchopneumonia. The LDH level and WBC counts were higher in children with fever lasting for >3 days before compared to those with fever lasting for ${\leq}3days$. The highest quintile of PCT levels was associated with a significantly higher risk of prolonged fever and/or hospital stay than the lowest quintile. Conclusion: Serum PCT and CRP levels on admission day were associated with persistent fever and longer hospitalization in children with MPP.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.29-41
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• 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) effect of amino acids and neurotransmitters, which exist in the human brain, depending on the concentration, pH, and amplitude of the saturation radiofrequency field. Phantoms were developed with asparagine (Asn), ${\gamma}-aminobutyric$ acid (GABA), glutamate (Glu), glycine (Gly), and myoinositol (MI). Each chemical had three different concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 mM and three different pH values of 5.6, 6.2, and 7.4. Full Z-spectrum CEST images for each phantom were acquired with a continuous-wave radiofrequency (RF) saturation pulse with two different $B_1$ amplitudes of $2{\mu}T$ and $4{\mu}T$ using an animal 9.4T MRI system. A voxel-based CEST asymmetry was mapped to evaluate exchangeable protons based on amide (-NH), amine ($-NH_2$), and hydroxyl (-OH) groups for the five target molecules. For all target molecules, the CEST effect was increased with increasing concentration and B1 amplitude; however, the CEST effect with varying pH displayed a different trend depending on the characteristics of the molecule. On CEST asymmetric maps, Glu and MI were well visualized around 3.0 and 0.9 ppm, respectively, and were well separated macroscopically at a pH of 7.4. The exchange rates of Asn, Glu, BABA, and Gly usually decreased with increasing pH. The CEST effect was dependent on the concentration, acidity of the target molecules, and B1 amplitude of the saturation RF pulse. The CEST effect for Asn can be observed in a 9.4T MRI system. The results of this study are based on applying the CEST technique in patients with neurodegenerative diseases when proteins in the brain are increased with disease progression.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.784-788
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• 2006

Purpose: For the reconstruction of the ankle joint as well as the soft tissue defect in the distal lower leg, a free flap or a local flap has been used, and because of the condition of patients, if a complex microvascular surgery under general anesthesia could not be performed, it could be reconstructed by using the distally based lateral supramalleolar fascio-cutaneous island flap using the perforating branch of the peroneal artery in the ankle area. Methods: The study subjects were 4 male patients between 53 years and 73 years of age. 2 cases were tissue defect in the medial malleolus area due to systemic diseases such as gouty arthritis accompanied traffic accident, diabetes mellitus foot, atherosclerotic obliterans, etc., 1 case was the defect in the pretibia area, and 1 case was the defect underneath the lateral malleolus, which was reconstructed by the distally based lateral supramalleolar fascio-cutaneous island flap. The donor area was the skin harvested from the groin, and the full thickness skin graft was performed. The size of the flap varied from $4{\times}3cm$ to $9{\times}6cm$. As the flap border, the medial side was to the tibialis anterior tendon, the lateral side was to the fibula crest, and the proximal area was less than the fibula size. Results: The consequence is that, in total 4 cases, the congestion in the flap began from 12 hours after the surgery, and the progression of congestion was ceased on the 5th day after the surgery, and finally epidermal bulla and sloughing, partial necrosis was developed. After the end of necrosis, the defect area was reconstructed successfully by the second full thickness skin graft. Conclusions: Although the distally based lateral supramalleolar fascio-cutaneous island flap has the shortcoming of requiring the second skin graft, it has the advantages that it does not require a long complex microsurgery, the flap itself is thin, it is similar to the color of the skin in the recipient area, and it does not leave a big scar in the donor area. Therefore, it is thought that for the cases who could not undergo a long complex surgery due to systemic diseases or the cases of patients whose condition of the recipient area is not suitable for microsurgery, the lateral supramalleolar fascio-cutaneous island flap is very useful for the reconstruction of the distal lower leg and the ankle joint area.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.54-54
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• 2003

The activation of protooncogenes or the inactivation of their gene products may be a specific and effective functional study for human neoplasia. To examine this possibility, we have used the tetracycline regulatory system to generate transgenic mice that conditionally express the HccR-2 protooncogene in vivo. The new human cervical cancer protooncogene (HccR-2) was detected from cervical cancer cell line. To elucidate its biological functions, we generated transgenic mice that expressed the HccR-2 gene. The sustained expression of the HccR-2 transgene culminated chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL). CNL is a rare chronic myeloproliferative disorder that presents as a sustained, mature neutrophilic leukocytosis with few or no circulating immature granulocytes, the absence of peripheral blood monocytosis, basophilia, or eosinophilia, and infiltration of neutrophils at the liver, spleen and kidney. Mice expressing the HccR-2 and tetracycline-transactivating protein (tTa) transgene were found to have altered myeloid development that was characterized by increased percentages of mature neutrophil and band form neutrophil in the peripheral blood, liver and spleen. Activation of the transgene causes CNL. In our model, expression of HccR-2 transgene mice was similar in many respects to the human CNL. This model will be valuable not only for investigating the biological properties of the HccR-2 and other protooncogenes in vivo but also for analyzing the mechanism involved in the progression of CNL.